Bears' rookie could be in line for big role in 2023
The Chicago Bears made 10 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Seven of these 10 selections were used on the defensive side of the ball. Darnell Wright was selected in the first round to bolster the offensive line and Gervon Dexter and Tyrique Stevenson were added in the second round on defense. Stevenson, a defensive […]
The Chicago Bears made 10 selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. Seven of these 10 selections were used on the defensive side of the ball.
Darnell Wright was selected in the first round to bolster the offensive line and Gervon Dexter and Tyrique Stevenson were added in the second round on defense. Stevenson, a defensive back out of Miami, received praise from his position coach Jon Hoke after an impressive start to minicamp.
That impressive start has some thinking that Stevenson could be in for a big role early in Chicago.
Coach Hoke had the following to say about the young corner:
"He's done good. He's done a good job of learning the defense, it's been quick for him. He's done a good job of trying to understand the concepts we teach. We kind of knew his skill set and he's proven to have that, really excited about that. His length is big, he showed it today when he was in a position to do some things. Really, really excited about him. really excited about how in two days he's kind of figured out some of the concepts we try to teach and understand those and then just the new techniques we are trying to do."
In another interesting nugget, Hoke announced that Stevenson will be used on the outside exclusively. Stevenson has experience playing nickel, so some wondered if he would learn both spots like Kyler Gordon did last season.
This likely means that Stevenson will be battling Kindle Vildor and Jaylon Jones for the No. 2 CB spot, with Jaylon Johnson being the No. 1 and Kyler Gordon starting at the nickel.
The battle between Stevenson and Vildor will be one to watch this offseason. Vildor's play has not been great over three seasons, but his PFF grade has improved each year. In 2022 the corner finished with one interception and 24 solo tackles. The Georgia Southern product also allowed 26 receptions on 39 targets.
Ultimately, Stevenson's draft pedigree, size, and early performance could lead to the rookie securing the starting role. Vildor is by no means out of the running, as we have a long ways to go before Week 1.
